More odd weather, jobs and April folls memories...
More of the same confused weather with stiff South EAST(!!!) winds through the night bringing warm weather and sending us scurrying down to the container to check out how the soft 'hangar' was riding. We double pegged everything down and sleapt better for it. I know I keep saying it but this weather is very unusual and we have to consider how this will affect our immediate future. We have 7 1/2 weeks left to prove that we are record 'worthy'. Around 1/3rd of that time can be dismissed due to low tides in the afternoon when the wind blows. I'm pretty happy that we are doing all we can as we couldn't be more on standby unless we sleapt in our wetsuits!
Mr 'M' is busy building a hard flotation jacket for the pod so as to give it more bouyancy for when we cross the 'bumpy' lagoon to get to speed-spot. The pod is well sized for sailing activities but often struggles when we push it back up the course on windy days and when we cross the lagoon with the force of the wind pressing the wing and hence pod, downwards. This will reduce the risk for one of the more 'sketchy' aspects of windy operations. Once this is done we'll begin focusing on the aerodynamic detailing of Sailrocket. Smoothing out all the little lumps-and-bumps on the boat with lightweight fairings.
Wind is forecast for today but it will have to fill in early if we are going to catch the tail of the mornings high tide. The 'usable' portion of the day will only lengthen now as the tide is now high at midday.
Ah April Fools day... it was exactly 8 years ago today that we towed Team Philips backwards into Dartmouth after its port bow had broken off during initial sea trials. A Tug had been commissioned to tow us slowly backwards from the Isles of scilly and we went part way up to Brixham waiting for the dawn before entering the narrow entrance to Dartmouth. They were a dark few days after the jubilation of the launch and naming ceremony. Many of our core supporters came down to see us in and help shoulder the burden of bitter disappointment. We all felt as broken as the boat but at least we were back in familiar waters and the team could begin to pick up the pieces and plan a way forward. It was truly an amazing and inspirational project. Sailrocket wouldn't be here without it!
Paul.
Mr 'M' is busy building a hard flotation jacket for the pod so as to give it more bouyancy for when we cross the 'bumpy' lagoon to get to speed-spot. The pod is well sized for sailing activities but often struggles when we push it back up the course on windy days and when we cross the lagoon with the force of the wind pressing the wing and hence pod, downwards. This will reduce the risk for one of the more 'sketchy' aspects of windy operations. Once this is done we'll begin focusing on the aerodynamic detailing of Sailrocket. Smoothing out all the little lumps-and-bumps on the boat with lightweight fairings.
Wind is forecast for today but it will have to fill in early if we are going to catch the tail of the mornings high tide. The 'usable' portion of the day will only lengthen now as the tide is now high at midday.
Ah April Fools day... it was exactly 8 years ago today that we towed Team Philips backwards into Dartmouth after its port bow had broken off during initial sea trials. A Tug had been commissioned to tow us slowly backwards from the Isles of scilly and we went part way up to Brixham waiting for the dawn before entering the narrow entrance to Dartmouth. They were a dark few days after the jubilation of the launch and naming ceremony. Many of our core supporters came down to see us in and help shoulder the burden of bitter disappointment. We all felt as broken as the boat but at least we were back in familiar waters and the team could begin to pick up the pieces and plan a way forward. It was truly an amazing and inspirational project. Sailrocket wouldn't be here without it!
Paul.
posted by Paul at 11:26 am
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